Julius Caesar

Sticky Notes Act II

Scene 1

• • • • In Act 2, scene one, lines 10-34 Brutus has a soliloquy that explains his affection and friendship for Caesar as well as his desire to be rid of him for the good of Rome.

In line 14 he creates a metaphor that compares Caesar to a venomous snake.

In line 21 he creates a metaphor that compares to Caesar to someone who climbs a social ladder and then forgets about the people who helped him.

In this same scene lines 32-34 create a metaphor that compares Caesar to an unhatched snake—he’s not dangerous now, but he will be soon.

• • • • • • Lines 44-58 creates a soliloquy that discusses Brutus’ power to take action against Caesar.

Lines 61-69 creates a soliloquy that examines Brutus’ friendship with, and desire to be rid of, Caesar.

Lines 77-85 create a soliloquy that examines the question of whether killing Caesar is morally correct.

Lines 79-85 create personification that gives the conspiracy a human face.

Lines 101-104 create imagery (words used to create pictures) that indicates the time of day.

Lines 191-192b is an anachronism because there were no clocks in Ancient Rome.

Scene 2

• • • In Act 2, scene two, line 19 there is an example of alliteration (using the same beginning sounds in several words)—fierce, fiery warriors fight.

Lines 30-31 is an example of foreshadowing as Calphurnia says “the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes,” which is what will happen to Caesar.

Lines 124-125 and lines 128-129 are examples of asides (when the character speaks directly to the audience) that remind the audience of the conspiracy.

Scene 3

• Act 2, scene 3, lines 1-14 is a soliloquy that creates suspense by making it clear that Caesar’s fate hinges on Artemedorius’ warning.

Scene 1 Summary

Scene one begins on the Ides of March with Brutus considering his personal friendship with Caesar, but also his feelings about Caesar’s ambition to be made king of Rome and his desire to stop that from happening. He and his slave Lucius find the letters that have been forged and left by the conspirators. Upon reading these letters, Brutus feels that it is his duty to protect the republic of Rome from Caesar’s ambition.

Several of the conspirators come to Brutus’ house to discuss the problem of Caesar and exactly what will be done about it. When they decide that Caesar must be killed, Cassius wants to swear an oath, but Brutus declines the offer by saying that their cause is too noble to soil with an oath. Brutus’ speech indicates that he is trying to rationalize his friendship and personal feelings and his desire to rid Rome of Caesar. He seems to have some misgivings as to the “correctness” of this decision.

Portia enters and wants to know what is bothering Brutus. At first he refuses to tell her, but she reasons with him by reminding him that she is his wife and that she is trustworthy. Eventually Brutus tells Portia that he will reveal his plans to her in just a little bit.

Ciaus Ligarius enters Brutus’ home and agrees to follow Brutus’ plan even though he knows nothing about it.

Scene 2 Summary

The scene opens in Caesar’s palace. Calphurnia does not want Caesar to go to the Senate meeting because of the ominous condition of the previous night and the disturbing dreams she had concerning Caesar’s safety. She eventually talks Caesar into sending word that he will not be in attendance, but Decius enters and re-interprets Calphurnia’s dream into one that glorifies Caesar. He then tells Caesar that the Senate wants to give him a crown and that they will laugh and call him scared if he doesn’t come to the Senate. After listening to Decius, Caesar decides to attend the Senate meeting. Many of the Senators walk with Caesar to the meeting.

Scene 3 Summary

Scene three is a soliloquy in which Artemidorus reads a letter he has written to Caesar warning him of the conspirators and their plot against Caesar. He also discusses his plan to stand along the road and give the letter to Caesar. He explains that if Caesar reads it he will live, but if not, he will die.

Scene 4 Summary

Scene four begins with Portia and Lucius at the house of Brutus and Portia. Portia is upset to distraction and makes several demands of Lucius to go to the Senate to check on Brutus. She sees the soothsayer and asks for news, but he reveals that he has not seen Caesar and that he intends to give him another warning about what may occur this day.